A driver-selectable ‘ECO’ mode can be activated to limit throttle application for gas-mileage’s sake, and keeping highway speeds reasonable saw the tester put away less than 10 L/100 km of high-grade during cruising. That ain’t bad at all for an all-wheel drive, V8-powered luxury spa.
Surprising sportiness
Like the acceleration, handling is surprisingly entertaining for a car of the M56x’s size. The optional advanced AWD system (which adds the ‘x’ to the name badge), negates any traction-related drama during hard acceleration on corner exit, steering is lively and quick, and the suspension keeps things relatively flat, planted and predictable—even when drivers push. The tester did ride abruptly on some surfaces, but the trade-off is smirk-inducing handling for those interested in having a little lateral fun.
Minor gripes
Your writer did find himself wishing for some more on-centre steering feel, which would have helped keep the M56x more solidly in its lane at higher speeds. Other complaints were hard to find.
End of the day, it’s not all-out comfort, quiet or performance that make the M56x a treat—but a well-sorted combination of the above. Best of all, at $74,100 as tested with all the toys, it’s actually a heck of a deal in some circles, too.
Price out a comparably-powered and equipped BMW or Benz, and you’ll see what I mean. Japan’s performance and luxury sedan flagship starts at $52,400.
Surprising sportiness
Like the acceleration, handling is surprisingly entertaining for a car of the M56x’s size. The optional advanced AWD system (which adds the ‘x’ to the name badge), negates any traction-related drama during hard acceleration on corner exit, steering is lively and quick, and the suspension keeps things relatively flat, planted and predictable—even when drivers push. The tester did ride abruptly on some surfaces, but the trade-off is smirk-inducing handling for those interested in having a little lateral fun.
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| At $74,100 as tested with all the toys, it’s actually a heck of a deal in some circles, too. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Minor gripes
Your writer did find himself wishing for some more on-centre steering feel, which would have helped keep the M56x more solidly in its lane at higher speeds. Other complaints were hard to find.
End of the day, it’s not all-out comfort, quiet or performance that make the M56x a treat—but a well-sorted combination of the above. Best of all, at $74,100 as tested with all the toys, it’s actually a heck of a deal in some circles, too.
Price out a comparably-powered and equipped BMW or Benz, and you’ll see what I mean. Japan’s performance and luxury sedan flagship starts at $52,400.
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